The NIOSH “Prevention through Design” initiative applied to electrical hazards in construction

Prevention through Design is a seven year initiative launched by US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in July 2007 to advance the practical application of workplace hazard mitigation through design. This initiative is intended to raise awareness and stimulate innovation in policies, regulations, and standards supporting application design techniques that reduce the risk of injury through the full life cycle of installations, including construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance, renewal and demolition. The intent of this paper is to start a dialog for exploring the concepts of Prevention through Design as applied to electrical hazards in construction. This paper summarizes the scope and potential impact the NIOSH Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative could have on electrical safety for all crafts in construction work environments. Based on NIOSH analysis, the construction industry represents 7% of the US workforce, but accounts for 45% of occupational fatalities due to electrical hazards in the workplace. This paper summarizes the goals and offers input in developing strategies to be a part of the Prevention through Design initiative. Practical examples are provided to further stimulate expansion of these concepts in construction work environments.